African Blackwood Turning Blanks

Coined “the turning wood of kings” for it’s ability to hold fine, ornamental detail, African Blackwood will take an exceptional polish and threads extraordinarily well. The heartwood is dark brown with bold, black streaks and hints of purple, while the sapwood is creamy white. Despite being very hard, it tools easily with minimal tear out. These turning blanks are available in an assortment of sizes for carvings, bottle stoppers, chess pieces, tool handles, table legs, spindles, finials, candlesticks, bowls, platters and whatever else your imagination can conjure up!

Due to high demand and limited supply, we cannot always guarantee that this item will be in stock. Scientific name: "Dalbergia melanoxylon" Native Region: Africa, from Sudan southward to Mozambique, westward to Angola, and northward to Nigeria and Senegal. Usually grows to a height of 15 to 20 feet, but may occasionally reach 50 feet (15 m). The trunk is often short, fluted, and rarely cylindrical, with diameters that are seldom more than 12 inches. Typical uses: Musical instruments such as clarinets, oboes, etc. and turnery.

Customer Reviews and Photos for: African Blackwood Turning Blanks Average Rating: 5.0 (2 customer reviews) Add your review...

1) Submitted by Robert Smith, from Garland, TX on 1/7/2010 Customer Rating: I bought some pens blanks on sale and had to comment. They are without a doubt the most beautiful pens I have made. The wood is uniformly dark and dense. If you havn't worked with Blackwood then you truley are missing out. I only wish I had bought more when I had the chance. I'm down to one blank and I refuse to use it until I have special kit to do.

2) Submitted by John Horrocks, from Milford, CT on 3/21/2009 Customer Rating: I can't believe that I am the first one to review this wood. They call it the turning wood of kings and I agree. It turns beautifully. No dust, minimal tool wear, great aroma. It also drills fairly well, not the easiest but not bad. The color is very dark but not as dark as the more expensive Ebony. This is it's advantage over the Ebony. You can see the grain and it is beautiful. No photo of this wood will ever do it justice. I am not so good with words but it you are middle aged like me you will remember the baseball cards that changed when you moved them back and forth, the grain in this wood does just that. It's almost iridescent. You might hesitate to buy it because of the cost or because it's on back order, don't. If you like dark woods you will not find a more beautiful wood to work with. My knives made with this wood always sell immediately. Which reminds me I need to buy more. Kwaak knives (click to see full-size picture in new window)